We started using All About Spelling with Pete last year in an attempt to address his difficulties with spelling, but apparently it hasn’t done the trick. It was the only area he struggled with on this year’s annual testing. I was surprised, because he seems to have learned the rules presented in AAS pretty well. He just isn’t applying that particular information outside of our designated Spelling Time.
The lady who administers the test said, “Pete is like a river. If he runs into an obstacle, he just goes right around it without a care.” And she’s right. He hasn’t had to do much writing yet, so he hasn’t had much incentive or opportunity to apply the rules.
At her suggestion, we’re trading in All About Spelling in favor of a slower, more hands-on approach to see if maybe that will help. I’m not sure what to do yet on the incentive front, but part of our exercises will be writing-based so Pete has the opportunity to use the words he’s studying more often.
To that end, I’ve been scouring the internet for fun and engaging ways to study spelling, and I’m saving every great resource I find on Pinterest. Here’s the board!
This seems like a perfect example of the benefits of home schooling. If one method doesn’t work, you can try another, and without making the student feel like a failure as a “traditional” school might.
Exactly! It can get a little frustrating bouncing from method to method, but I know there’s something out there that will click with him.
The English language doesn’t make it easy for young spellers. This morning Harry asked how to spell “heal”. I had to ask him if he meant foot heel, sore heal or steep hill.